The New Mexico Representative is advocating for the passage of a proposed bill that seeks to elevate treatment standards and provide better working conditions for movie extras.
To ensure that background artists working on New Mexico movie sets receive the compensation they deserve, a state representative has proposed new legislation. This will guarantee their fair treatment and pay them for their hard work.
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The film industry in New Mexico is booming, so state legislatures have proposed a bill that would ensure actors are paid promptly for their hard work. Movie extras and stand-ins typically endure long hours and challenging conditions to help bring a movie to life – this bill could guarantee they receive fair compensation on time.
“It’s an actual job, and there are people that do it for a living, and we shouldn’t have to be starving to do it,” said a movie stand-in who wants to remain anonymous, “Personally, I think that we all need just to start taking better care of each other and ourselves in the film industry.”
This anonymous background actor fights for better treatment and pays for movie extras and stand-ins. She has noticed a positive shift in the industry over the last couple of years, yet she still regularly experiences long delays while awaiting payment after working on set. She hopes that those used as extras will be paid promptly without fail moving forward.
Democratic Representative Miguel Garcia of Bernalillo County has pre-filed a bill that promises to make significant changes for the better. Ruby Garcia, President of “The Background Actors Association of New Mexico”—a non-profit devoted to defending artists’ rights—has stated that her group dedicated years towards aiding in creating this legislation. This proposed bill would mandate that all background workers receive a regular paycheck no later than 16 days apart.
This proposed bill would guarantee background actors the right to organize and demonstrate, if necessary, collectively. While one casting company that assists with finding talent for sets claims they already adhere to all applicable regulations, this legislation would provide further assurance that their rights are safeguarded.
“I think that what we should be doing is striving to follow what the performers union sets as guidelines that I mentioned earlier. I do think that this bill is a little aggressive in the way that it is formed. I would hate for that to hurt production as it comes to the state,” said Shayne Hartigan, Owner of Hartigan Casting.
Hartigan noted that while the bill is beneficial, it could soften its language. He stated that most productions follow regulations, adhere to workers’ rights, and keep a secure environment. However, he outlined how independent films are often guilty of bad labor practices.
This bill would mandate employers guarantee a safe working environment for background artists, which must include proper cooling and heating systems, shade, and water. Companies that fail to comply with the rules outlined in this legislation shall be liable for fines of up to $1,000 per violation.
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